Cyber security

Cyber security is more important than ever. Vast numbers of small and family businesses are being compromised and, in some cases, profoundly damaged, by a range of scams and cyber-attacks every year.

Watch the Ombudsman's cyber security message here.

The check list below describes some simple steps to help small businesses and family enterprises avoid or reduce the impact of cyber security incidents.

Cyber security checklist

Cyber security resources

The Australian Cyber Security Centre has a dedicated webpage for small and medium businesses. This includes resources to help protect you from cyber security incidents, such as:

Small Business Cyber Security Guide - to help small businesses protect themselves from the most common cyber security incidents
Have you been hacked? - to help you if you think you’re the victim of a cybercrime,
Small Business Cloud Security Guides - to help businesses secure their systems and data.

IDCare provides a free tailored national identity and cyber support service to Australian small businesses and sole traders seeking support in building their cyber resilience. IDCare can help with:

recovery from a cyber or privacy related incident, including email and account compromise
response to hacking and ransomware
assessment and advice to help you reduce your risks.

IDCare is Australian government-funded and for small businesses (with 19 employees or fewer) and sole traders.

Access this service by visiting IDCare's website www.idcare.org or calling 1800 595 160.

The Cyber Wardens program provides small businesses with free online training to help identify cyber safety practices they can implement to prevent and protect against digital threats.